To the Editor:The Newtown Bee is a wonderful hometown newspaper that is at its best when covering local stories. I enjoy a Friday evening spent reading it with my wife.editorial bemoaning the dearth of letters to The Bee [March 30, "The Power Of The Written Word"] illustrates what can happen when a society becomes so fractured by politics that we stop talking to those whose viewpoints are contrary to our own, preferring instead to surround ourselves with friends who are like-minded. It takes time to transpose one's thoughts into the written word so that one doesn't sound like a complete idiot or become the topic of ridicule at the next party. Most of us are careful to not use language that is insulting or offensive but we worry that our words may sound hurtful to some.

Your

You wrote that it takes courage, and I agree. Any view, but especially a minority one, can be easily and purposely misconstrued by those who look for ways in which that view can be stigmatized. It seems that many are uninterested in a policy debate, which leads us increasingly towards one big tribal conflict as each "side" flouts their supposed moral superiority on an issue. I know first hand what it feels like to be punished in the workplace for expressing support for our president, so why would I wish to invite any sort of retribution by expressing it in the newspaper for all to see? That only hurts my family and coworkers.

It is a true blessing to have the company of friends who are clever and well-informed, who have diverse opinions that are well thought out and seasoned by their life experiences. Such people try to see the complex humanity in everyone, and would never marginalize or disrespect those whose beliefs do not align with theirs.

We the people are all equals; we each contribute to the culture, diversity, and importance of our democracy, this country, and the town of Newtown.

Respectfully,

Garry Ober

8 Westwood Terrace, Newtown        April 4, 2018